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Home Academics Programs and Majors Music

Music

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Music

Completion of this degree provides a foundation in music. Program offerings include course work in music theory and aural skills, applied instrumental and vocal instruction, and ensemble performance.

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer Degree (AA-T) is designed to provide a seamless transfer pathway for students interested in pursuing at least one Music degree option in the California State University (CSU) system. The degree is comprised of lower division coursework typically required by CSU institutions. Students must complete the core curriculum and electives to meet a total of 60 transferable units, which includes the CSU General Education Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior status and will not have to repeat lower division coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop their educational plans as degree options and general education requirements vary for each university.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 404 Music Theory II 3
MUFHL 405 Musicianship II 1
MUFHL 412 Music Theory III 3
MUFHL 413 Musicianship III 1
MUFHL 414 Music Theory IV 3
MUFHL 415 Musicianship IV 1
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
Students must complete four semesters of applied music.
MUIVI 410 Applied Music (1)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
All music majors must successfully complete four semesters of a large performing ensemble. Students seeking both the AA-T and AA degree in music should take MUP 330: Concert Band, MUP 310: Orchestra, MUP 357: College Chorus, or MUP 360: Chamber Singers. Please see the Music Counselor or Music Department Chair for more information.
MUP 335 Concert Band (1)
MUP 312 Orchestra (1)
MUP 358 College Chorus Chorale (1)
MUP 362 Chamber Singers Chorale (1)
Total Units: 24

The Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Music literacy at the college level.
  • Performance skills at the college level.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Pass audition for applied music and large performing ensemble (given on first class session of MUIVI 410).
  • Pass music literacy test (given on first class session of MUFHL 400).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and compare musical compositions, scores and performances.
  • Understand, identify and recognize the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form)
  • Perform music at a level appropriate to the area of specialization.
  • Acquire and demonstrate aural awareness and ensemble skills.
  • Establish an historical, cultural, geographical and chronological context of music. Differentiate different eras and styles of music.
  • Compose music for the purpose of understanding the elements of music within the context of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and early Twentieth Century.

Career Information

Individuals with four-year degrees in music may teach in the K-12 educational field as well as perform in professional music ensembles, direct religious and community music groups, instruct in private music studios, compose for media and publishing, music therapy, and administrative staff for music organizations. Advanced degrees in music may lead to careers as educators at the college or university level, performers, music directors, and music editors and journalists. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Music, General

Completion of this degree provides a foundation in music. Program offerings include course work in music theory and aural skills, applied instrumental and vocal instruction, ensemble performance, music history and piano.

Highlights include:
* Various avenues for vocal performance — college chorus, choir, chamber singers, contemporary gospel choir
* Various avenues for instrumental performance—college orchestra, jazz ensemble, concert band

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUFHL 310 Survey of Music History and Literature (Greek Antiquity to 1750) 3
MUFHL 311 Survey of Music History and Literature (1750 to the present) 3
MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I 4
MUFHL 404 Music Theory II 3
MUFHL 412 Music Theory III 3
MUFHL 414 Music Theory IV 3
MUIVI 340 Beginning Piano 2
MUIVI 341 Piano II 2
MUFHL 405 Musicianship II 1
MUFHL 413 Musicianship III 1
MUFHL 415 Musicianship IV 1
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
MUIVI 370 Beginning Guitar (2)
MUIVI 371 Intermediate Guitar (2)
MUIVI 350 Piano III (2)
MUIVI 351 Piano IV (2)
MUIVI 310 Voice Class I (2)
MUIVI 311 Voice Class II (2)
MUIVI 320 Voice Class III (2)
MUIVI 321 Voice Class IV (2)
MUIVI 410 Applied Music (1)
MUIVI 495 Independent Studies in Music Instrumental/Voice Instruction (1 - 3)
Subtotal Units: 34
Instrumental Majors
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 81
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
Instrumental Majors Units: 8
Total Units: 42
Keyboard Majors
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 82
MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
MUP 350 Concert Choir I (2)
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
MUP 310 Orchestra (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
Keyboard Majors Units: 8
Total Units: 42
Voice Majors
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 83
MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
Voice Majors Units: 8
Total Units: 42

1NOTE: All music major are required to enroll in at least one music performance course each semester they are enrolled.

2NOTE: All music majors are required to enroll in at least one music performance class each semester they are enrolled.

3NOTE: All music majors are required to enroll in at least one music performance course each semester they are enrolled.

The Music, General Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Music literacy at the college level.
  • Performance skills at the college level.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Enroll in applied music or equivalent courses. Enroll in performing ensemble
  • Pass music literacy test (given on first class session of MUFHL 400) or pass MUFHL 321, Basic Musicianship with a grade of C or better.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze and compare musical compositions, scores and performances.
  • Understand, identify and recognize the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, form)
  • Perform music at a level appropriate to the area of specialization.
  • Acquire and demonstrate aural awareness and ensemble skills.
  • Establish an historical, geographical and chronological context of music. Differentiate different eras and styles of music.
  • Compose music for the purpose of understanding the elements of music within the context of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and early Twentieth Century.
  • Develop and demonstrate basic piano proficiency (for non-pianist majors.)

Career Information

Music Education; Public and Private Teaching; Vocal Performance; Instrumental Performance; Music Store Employment & Management; Church Music Direction; Composer Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

Certificates of Achievement

Entrepreneurial Arts: Independent Music Instructor Certificate

This certificate provides real world tools for the aspiring music teacher to earn a living as a thriving and successful independent music instructor.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUSM 370 Music for Children 3
MUIVI 410 Applied Music 1
MUIVI 321 Voice Class IV (2) 2
   or MUIVI 351 Piano IV (2)
   or MUIVI 371 Intermediate Guitar (2)
MUP 310 Orchestra (2) 1 - 2
   or MUP 321 Advanced Jazz Band (1 -2)
   or MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
   or MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
   or MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUFHL 300 Introduction to Music 3
BUS 215 Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Business Planning 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUFHL 404 Music Theory II (3)
   or MUFHL 412 Music Theory III (3)
   or MUFHL 414 Music Theory IV (3)
   or MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I (4)
MUSM 498 Work Experience in Music Specializations 0.5 -4
Total Units: 16.5 - 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 STUDENT WILL ACQUIRE PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEXTERITY WITHIN A DISCIPLINE.
  • Certificate graduates will develop increased artistry and technical mastery with which to attract a more diverse teaching clientele.
  • PSLO #2 STUDENT WILL BE PROFICIENT IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF RESEARCH, COMPOSITION, LISTENING, PERFORMANCE, RECORDING, ARCHIVING, AND CROSS-DISCIPLINE COLLABORATION.
  • Certificate graduates will acquire a knowledge of partner organizations on the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Certificate graduates will develop a mastery of using social media for recruitment and retainment purposes.
  • Certificate graduates will develop the necessary independent contractor business skills to help their careers as an independent music teacher.

Career Information

Career opportunities include the following: independent private music instructor, charter school music instructor, after school program music instructor, children's day care and/or pre school music instructor, private tutor, music school proprietor.

Entrepreneurial Arts: Music Composition Certificate

The Entrepreneurial Arts: Music Composition Certificate prepares students for all aspects of a thriving music career, from performance to music creation to business skills. We give you the tools to grow and survive as an independent contractor in a gig economy.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
MUP 310 Orchestra (2) 21
   or MUP 320 Jazz Band (2)
   or MUP 330 Concert Band (2)
   or MUP 353 Contemporary Gospel Choir (2)
   or MUP 357 College Chorus (2)
   or MUP 360 Chamber Singers (2)
MUSM 346 Audio and Music Production I 3
MUSM 347 Audio and Music Production II 3
MUSM 110 The Business of Music (3) 3
   or BUS 215 Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Business Planning (3)
MUP 423 Composition Ensemble Workshop (2) 2 - 3
   or MUFHL 416 Studies in Contemporary Composition Techniques, Performance, and Literature (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
MUFHL 404 Music Theory II (3)
   or MUFHL 400 Music Theory and Musicianship I (4)
MUFHL 412 Music Theory III (3)
   or MUFHL 414 Music Theory IV (3)
Total Units: 16 - 17

1Two units from the following:

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Meet with an CRC counselor and declare intention of enrolling in the program.
  • Contact Music Department Chair to schedule a program entrance audition with appropriate CRC faculty. (If applicable) contact CRC ensemble director to schedule ensemble audition.
  • If applicable, contact CRC ensemble director to schedule ensemble audition.
  • Be enrolled in a CRC performance ensemble in each semester until the completion of the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • PSLO #1 STUDENT WILL ACQUIRE PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEXTERITY WITHIN A DISCIPLINE.
  • Demonstrate an ability to perform original compositions on a chosen instrument
  • Demonstrate an ability to create music compositions in a style of one's choice, be it classical, jazz, or assorted popular idioms
  • PSLO #2 STUDENT WILL ESTABLISH AN HISTORICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL, AND CHRONOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF MUSIC.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of evolving music industry economic models and means of gaining employment through them
  • PSLO #3 STUDENT WILL LEARN AND USE CRITICAL LISTENING SKILLS TO DISCUSS AND CRITIQUE MUSICAL WORKS AND PERFORMANCES THROUGH SELF ANALYSIS, ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATION, AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of musical literacy and musicianship skills
  • PSLO #4 STUDENT WILL BE PROFICIENT IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE PURPOSES OR RESEARCH, COMPOSITION, LISTENING, PERFORMANCE, RECORDING, ARCHIVING, AND CROSS-DISCIPLINE COLLABORATION.
  • Create a marketing plan that includes promotion tools such as radio, television, and new media, such as YouTube, social networking, and viral campaigns
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various aspects of project management as it pertains to an independent musician, be it rehearsal preparation, concert preparation and promotion, non profit fundraising, and contracts

Career Information

Career opportunities include multiple aspects of the music industry including live performance in classical and/or commercial styles, composition, performance of original compositions, concert promotion, music marketing, music publishing and distribution, music licensing, project management, studio teaching, and other assorted freelance gigging opportunities. This program will be of interest for individuals looking to proceed to professional practice or to further their academic study.

More About the Program

Learn about Student Ensembles, upcoming performances, specialized study, and more.

Music Department

Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

Degree Planner

Career Education

This major is part of CRC's Career Education (CE) Program. Request assistance from Career Education by dropping us a line!

Request CE Services

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